G
olf is a game of mystery; it is one of
the most difficult sports to predict.
But one thing’s for certain ... One of
the first questions Lexi Thompson will be asked
this week at the ANA Inspiration will be: ‘Does it
still hurt when you think about what happened
here last year?’
Thompson was cruising with a three-shot lead
after 12 holes on Sunday when rules officials
approached her on the 13th tee. A television
viewer had emailed the LPGA saying that the
22-year-old had marked her ball and then
replaced it incorrectly before putting out on the
17th hole during her third round.
After reviewing the footage, Thompson was
incredibly awarded a four-stroke penalty: two
shots for the incident and a further two shots for
signing an incorrect scorecard.
“On Sunday afternoon, the LPGA received
an email from a television viewer, saying that
Lexi Thompson did not properly replace her
ball before putting out on the 17th hole during
Saturday’s third round of the ANA Inspiration,” a
statement from the LPGA said.
“After a full review, it was determined that
Thompson breached Rule 20-7c (Playing From
Wrong Place), and received a two-stroke penalty
under Rule 16-1b. She incurred an additional
COVER STORY
A teary Lexi Thompson walks
toward the 18th green after
learning of her penalty for her
marking indiscretion (inset).